Could this Mazda be the top dog of daily drivers?
The Mazda 3 GT lives perpetually in the shadow of the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic, but I don’t really understand why. The Civic and Focus are both good cars, but neither drive as well as the Mazda 3. In fact, everything about this car has a slight edge over the sedan version of both the Focus and the Civic.
The interior is spacious and well appointed, and the car gets going surprisingly well considering the modest 155 hp from the Skyactiv 2.0-liter I4. You might consider the available 2.5-liter I4 on the s Grand Touring model, as it bumps the output to 184 hp, but the price jumps too. The six-speed manual transmission provides precise shifts with short throws, keeping the engine in the powerband for a sporty, capable daily driver. There isn’t a lot of dive on braking, and the suspension has a good blend of comfort and control. The brakes are firm, but not grabby — it’s all perfect for an easy-to-drive daily workhorse.
Overall, compared to a similarly equipped Civic or Focus, the driving experience from the Mazda 3 will appeal to the driving enthusiast more than the compact luxury buyer, and delivers much of the lightweight, balanced driving fun we love in the Miata in a package that seats four and puts a steel roof overhead.
2016 Mazda 3 Grand Touring (six-speed automatic model shown)
OTHER VOICES:
“The Mazda 3 is probably my favorite of the pedestrian (read: nonluxury) small sedans. The new look improves on an already good-looking model, and the interior quality is better than it has any right to be. Of course, this is the Grand Touring model, so you do get a few extra bits. The killer app though, is the six-speed shifter. It must be based on the Miata linkage because it’s as good as the best in the world. No joke. Short throws, crisp action and just the right size shifter knob make this thing a joy to row.”
Jake Lingeman, road test editor
“The current crop of small-displacement Mazdas with automatic transmissions leaves me kind of flat, but put a stick shift in one — like this Mazda 3 Grand Touring — and the equation changes completely. Being able to choose your own cogs lets you wring the most out of the modestly powered four, which in turn brings out the best in the light, nimble chassis. Next thing you know you’re dancing slow-car-fast style and having a helluva good time as memories of CRXes and Celica GTs come flooding back. Good show, as long as you stick with the six-speed manual.”
Andrew Stoy, digital editor
“The first thing I noticed was the Euro look and feel to the interior, very clean and understated. The exterior is a step above the Ford Focus — it seems all the good looks have gone to this side of the family post-divorce.”
Ken Ross, executive creative director
OPTIONS: Cargo mats ($ 70)
